June 30, 2020
Canadian Yachting – Modern Teak Decks
Wooden boat production in the 1940’s and 50’s was epitomized by expert craftsmanship, beautifully faired curves, bright varnish, and high-grade materials. Teak in particular is highly rot resistant, prized for its ability to produce its own oil, and recognized by its tight, straight grain.
June 10, 2020
Ask Andrew – Pump it up
Boats contain several pumps, each serving a unique purpose and positioned in a way that allows it to do its job effectively. Understanding the why and the how can be important in troubleshooting when an issue crops up.
June 10, 2020
The Rules Guy: An overview of the right-of-way rules III
In the past two issues we have been doing an overview of the right-of-way rules. In the first, we did a review of Section A of Part 2, in the second we did a review of the definitions. This issue, we will look at Section B of Part 2, General Limitations, which is essentially limitations applying to boats that have right of way according to Section A.
May 29, 2020
Beware of What You Cannot See
When every January ebbs and February approaches, Canadians look forward to more hours of sunshine AND actual sunshine. Seeing that sun poke through the clouds on a winter’s day is the most delightful sight in the world and brings with it the hope of spring and the long days on the water to come.
May 26, 2020
Ask Andrew – Interlux webinar
There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed our world. Some of the changes are huge: social distancing, sanitizing and face-masks have become our new norm. Adapting to working from home, and meetings via platforms like Zoom are challenges we’ve accepted and conquered.
May 26, 2020
Boating During COVID-19: Tips for Safe Social Distancing
Boating safety is always—always—a critical consideration whenever you push off the dock, but with all the recent issues regarding COVID-19, many people are wondering if boating is considered a safe social distancing practice.
May 13, 2020
Beware of What you Cannot See
Most people think that proper eye care consists of visiting an eye doctor. Taking good care of your eyes is up you.
May 13, 2020
Ask Andrew: Late spring start-ups
These days, the internet is full of memes with the message of ‘we’re all in this together’. As a marine mechanic, I’ve been partial to the phrases that reference boating. My favourite so far has been ‘We’re not all is the same boat, but we are all in the same storm’.
May 5, 2020
Safety at Sea: Creating a Culture of Safety
In my 45 years of teaching sailing and boating there has never been a subject more aligned with my love of boating and cruising than this one. Each person I talked with about Safety at Sea spoke with commitment and passion about the importance of creating a Safety Ethos (Culture of Safety) aboard each boat, fleet, club and association.
April 21, 2020
Ask Andrew – Delayed Launch
2020 is a year of change – self-isolation, social distancing, quarantine, and working remotely have become the norm. For many, this has been a bitter pill to swallow. Another bitter pill for boaters is the delay of the season. Provincial laws differ – so terms like ‘essential’ aren’t translating widely across the marine world.
April 21, 2020
Cruising Sails Tech
Is one better than the other? What are the different advantages and disadvantages of the two sail styles? And what should you get on your boat? Precision Sails’ Senior Sail Designer, Jeremy Roszmann discusses the details and features of the two sail types.
April 7, 2020
The Rules Guy: An overview of the right-of-way rules II
Last column we started an overview of the right-of-way rules. That issue focused on Section A of Part 2. At the end of that article, I said would next focus on the definitions. Early in the Rules book, there is a separate section helpfully titled “Definitions”.
April 7, 2020
Ask Andrew: Part 3 of Fibreglass repair – Epoxy
In Parts 1 and 2 we discussed fiberglass and gelcoat. This time, we’ll explore the ways that epoxy can be used aboard.
March 25, 2020
Ask Andrew: Understanding Gelcoat
Building on our last two editions (Sealants, and Fibreglass, respectively), Gelcoat is the next logical progression – that is, the outer part of the hull and decks. Gelcoat serves two main purposes: To protect the fiberglass beneath it, and to give a cosmetic finish as the outer layer of construction.
March 10, 2020
The Rules Guy: An Overview Of The Right-Of-Way Rules – instalment 1
As we start a new sailing season, I am going to start a new view of the right-of-way rules. I hope that by giving an overview, I can help my readers understand the rules for themselves.
March 10, 2020
Downwind Starts for the Long Distance Fleet
Many articles speak to the challenges and strategies involved in achieving a good upwind start, however, they often begin with sheets eased or with spinnakers ready to hoist, so let’s dig into some of the considerations that come into play with these types of starts.
March 10, 2020
Ask Andrew: Understanding Fibreglass
Last edition we talked about sealants to perform tasks like bedding and sealing. Other tasks like bonding, gluing, encapsulating and strengthening can be done using fiberglass, and the various resins available to saturate it.
February 26, 2020
Improve your docking skills
Improve your docking skills whether you are single-handing or have help, on a sailboat or a powerboat. Learn the theory and interaction of propellers, keels, and rudders and how to manage docking in wind and current.
February 26, 2020
Ask Andrew: Understanding Sealants
Over the winter, a many-thousand pound fiberglass, wood or metal shell is held in position by only a few plywood pads, or perhaps by two trailer bunks. In the spring, many of our boats are lifted by two slings into the water, putting enormous pressure on the sides of the hull, causing it to flex and shift.
February 11, 2020
Ask Andrew: Diesel Fuel Maintenance
Since the late 19th century, a debate has raged on the relative merits of diesel fuel over gasoline. In more recent decades, that argument has included boat manufacturers, and increasingly, individual boaters.
January 21, 2020
Ask Andrew: Head games: Troubleshooting marine toilets
A marine toilet is a relatively simple apparatus, straightforward to diagnose and repair. There are a handful of major manufacturers; most have replacement parts and maintenance items available for purchase via marine chandleries. Repair is generally a matter of understanding the system and getting your hands dirty.
January 8, 2020
Ask Andrew – Shrink wrap
In Nov 2019, I was fortunate enough to attend the Boating Ontario conference in Niagara Falls ON. This conference is geared to members and suppliers of the marine industry particularly marina operations.
December 18, 2019
10 Top Reasons to Never Leave Port Without a Roll of Duct Tape
Purchase your copy of the BRAND NEW Ports Georgian Bay 2020 Edition at the Toronto International Boat Show! Or pre-order a copy TODAY on the CY Store.
December 3, 2019
CY Inbox: Love for Ask Andrew
Andrew, I am in St Andrews NB and run an 87 Niagara 35E that I bought in Oakville in 2016. Significantly modified by a previous owner and have to say that I enjoy your contributing articles to the CPS electronic publication. Wish you were in the neighbourhood, you would be hired!
November 19, 2019
Ask Andrew: Winterizing! What if you’ve missed the boat?
Sometimes life gets in the way of boating. A summer wedding, family get-together, or (heaven forbid) work forces you to cancel a weekend on the water.
November 4, 2019
How do we get into sailing?
It’s easy just go to your local yacht club online or in person and sign onto their crew bank. I guarantee that you won’t have to wait long to get an invite, whether you are an experienced sailor or not. Boat owners are always looking for crew that are physically fit and will commit to a series of races.
November 4, 2019
Ask Andrew: Bilge rot – a cautionary tale
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve told my children to wash their hands. I remind them before dinner, after using the washroom, after touching dirty, sticky or grimy things.
October 22, 2019
PORTS: Can’t miss tips: Sting for wasps
Oh! When you said yellow jackets I thought you meant foul-weather gear. Nothing ruins the ambience at a picnic like a squadron of determined wasps.
October 22, 2019
Ask Andrew: Electrical Testing Onboard
Big or small, sail or power, gas or diesel, most of the boats that are encountered today have an electrical system onboard. Some are as simple as a pull cord turning over an outboard motor, others are a complex DC/AC panel aboard a cruising yacht.
October 8, 2019
PORTS: Can’t miss tips: Preventing Seasickness
The new editions of PORTS Cruising Guides, from the publishers of Canadian Yachting will be available in January!! Look for upcoming details on how to order your copy early!
October 8, 2019
Ask Andrew – Carbon Monoxide
As the seasons change and we move from warm summer into cooler fall, many fanatic boaters (especially those with cabin space) begin to use on-board heaters to extend the boating season.
September 25, 2019
PORTS: Can’t miss tips: Understanding Binoculars
Binoculars are essential for any cruising destination. Spotting potential water hazards, basic navigating and identifying points of interest along the shoreline or waterway are just a few of the many applications. There are a wide variety of sizes, models and focal lengths available.
September 24, 2019
Ask Andrew: Engine Fuels. Part 1 – Gas
Engines don’t need much to run (or to stay running). When you break down even the most complicated gasoline engine – even one with modern technology including an onboard computer, diagnostics and electronic ignition – it still only needs three things: Spark, Compression and Fuel.
September 10, 2019
Sharing Race Management skills
For the past 15 – 20 years, the Royal Canadian Yacht Club’s race management was primarily constructed with paid staff. This was done initially to give a group of development team and national team sailors a flexible job so they could train and earn money towards their campaigns.
September 10, 2019
Ask Andrew – Identifying and buying boat parts
I’ve learned that boat owners may not know what a mechanic needs to know in order to look up parts. I hope that this issue will put the tools in your hands to speak the same language with your mechanic, while also enabling you to research your needs and price-shop effectively.
September 9, 2019
Could you lease your new yacht?
When I first saw the display at the Toronto International Boat Show saying that you could lease a new yacht, it stopped me dead in my tracks. While I had never considered leasing boats, we are certainly seeing growth in boat rental organizations…
August 21, 2019
Ask Andrew: Cruise time
Even the hardest working boat tech advisors deserve some time off but Andrew will be back at his keyboard for our September issue.. Questions about boat maintenance? Just send them along to the address below.
August 7, 2019
Ask Andrew: Safe Starts
On the Friday before a weekend with a gorgeous forecast, I heard on the news that a boat had exploded at a local marina; the boat’s operator was seriously injured. At the time, I heard that authorities were investigating and were attempting to determine the cause of the explosion and fire.
July 24, 2019
Ask Andrew: Anchoring – you asked!
A reader suggested we take a look at anchors. Anchoring seems simple enough. A weighted hook with a line attached is dropped into the water. When the hook hits the bottom, the line is tied to a cleat, and the proud sailor signals the helm that the vessel is secure.